Ice dogs win in Wenatchee, win streak now at five

Oct 25, 2014

Tim O'Donnell Todonnell@newsminer.com

FAIRBANKS— Make it five straight wins for the Fairbanks Ice Dogs.

The Ice Dogs earned a 3-2 shootout win over the Wentachee Wild on Saturday in Wenatchee, Washington, to sweep the two-games series and extend their winning streak five games.

Defenseman Johnny Mueller scored the game-winner in the fourth round of the shootout to give the Ice Dogs (10-6-1) the win.

The five-game winning streak is the second longest in the North American Hockey League this season. All five of the wins have come on the road, tying for the longest road winning streak in the NAHL this year.

“On the road, it’s an opportunity for the guys to develop chemistry,” Ice Dogs head coach Trevor Stewart said by cellphone. “The chemistry needs to be better. Guys need to buy in.”

The five-game winning streak has given the Ice Dogs, the reigning Robertson Cup champions, a three point lead over the Minnesota Magicians in the Midwest Division.

The Ice Dogs 21 points in the standings trail only Topeka for the most in the NAHL. Topeka has 27 points in 16 games.

Ethan Somoza and Jacob Stridsberg each scored for the Ice Dogs during regulation. Somoza scored his ninth goal of the season at the 9:12 mark of the first period, tying the game at one.

The nine goals are tied for the team lead with Jacob Hetz. Somoza, a Bemidji State recruit, is second on the Ice Dogs with 19 points.

Stridsberg gave the Ice Dogs a 2-1 lead when he scored 3:23 into the second period on the powerplay. The goal was the fourth of the season for the Jonkoping, Sweden native.

“We were on our heels early,” Stewart said. “Guys put in a good effort in the second period.”

Hans Gorowsky had an assist on each of the goals, extending his point streak to five games. During that stretch, he has one goal and seven points.

The Ice Dogs and the Wild were each 1 for 3 with the man advantage.

The Ice Dogs outshot the Wild 27-24 while the Wild fired the only shot on goal during the overtime period.

Ivan Bondarenko put the Wild (3-6-3) up 1-0 at the 2:54 mark of the first period. Bondarenko was assisted by Stevie Bryant on the goal.

Tyler Rockwell tied the game at two with three minutes left in the second period. Brendan Harris had the lone assist on the goal.

Chase Munroe stopped 22 shots in his third game with the Fairbanks since being acquired from Wichita Falls on Sept. 29. Zach Quinn made 24 saves for the Wild.

“Chase Munroe was excellent in net,” Stewart said.

Stewart said he pulled Munroe for Patrick Munson in the shootout because Munson knew the Wenatchee shooters better than Munroe.

The Ice Dogs open a nine-game homestand on Friday and Saturday against the Minnesota Wilderness. 

Contact sports reporter Tim O’Donnell at 459-7583. Follow him on Twitter: @FDNMSportsGuy